AirPods Pro are one of
the most popular wireless earbuds in the market, offering high-quality sound,
active noise cancellation, and a sleek design. However, in October 2020, Apple
announced a service program (also known as a recall) for some AirPods Pro units
that had sound issues due to a manufacturing defect. Here’s what you need to
know about this issue and how to fix it.
The
Sound Issue Explained
According to Apple, a
small percentage of AirPods Pro units manufactured before October 2020 may
experience one or more of the following sound issues:
·
Crackling or static sounds that increase in loud environments,
with exercise, or while talking on the phone
·
Active Noise Cancellation not working as expected, such as a
loss of bass sound, or an increase in background sounds, such as street or
airplane noise
These issues can affect
one or both earbuds and may occur intermittently or constantly. They can also
affect the sound quality and performance of the AirPods Pro.
The
Cause of the Sound Issue
Apple did not disclose the exact cause of the sound issue, but it is likely related to a faulty component or a design flaw in the AirPods Pro. Some experts have speculated that it could be due to a problem with the microphones, the speakers, the noise cancellation system, or the firmware
Whatever the cause, Apple
acknowledged that it was a manufacturing problem and not a user error.
Therefore, it offered to fix or replace the affected AirPods Pro units for
free.
The
Impact of the Sound Issue
The sound issue can have
a negative impact on the user experience and satisfaction of the AirPods Pro.
It can also pose some potential risks or drawbacks, such as:
·
Reduced enjoyment of music, podcasts, videos, games, and other
audio content
·
Impaired communication and productivity during phone calls,
video calls, meetings, and online classes
·
Increased exposure to ambient noise and distractions that can
affect concentration, safety, and health
·
Decreased battery life and performance due to increased power
consumption by the faulty component or system
·
Increased frustration and dissatisfaction with the product and
the brand
The
Solution for the Sound Issue
If you have AirPods Pro
that exhibit any of the sound issues mentioned above, you can take advantage of
Apple’s service program to get them fixed or replaced. Here are the steps you
need to follow:
·
Contact Apple Support online or by phone to request service for
your AirPods Pro. You can also make an appointment at an Apple Retail Store or
an Apple Authorized Service Provider.
·
Your AirPods Pro will be examined prior to any service to verify
that they are eligible for this program. Only AirPods Pro manufactured before
October 2020 are covered by this program.
·
If your AirPods Pro have a confirmed issue, they will be
replaced with new ones. The replacement will only apply to the earbuds and not
the charging case.
·
The service program is free of charge and covers affected
AirPods Pro for 3 years after the first retail sale of the unit. It does not
extend the standard warranty coverage of the AirPods Pro.
Conclusion
The sound issue is a rare
but serious problem that affects some AirPods Pro units manufactured before
October 2020. It can impair the sound quality and performance of the earbuds
and cause frustration and dissatisfaction among users. Fortunately, Apple has
offered a free service program to fix or replace the affected units. If you
have AirPods Pro that have sound issues, you should contact Apple as soon as
possible to get them serviced.
Why Were AirPods Pro Recalled? Exploring the Issue
|
Reason |
Details |
Solution |
|
Sound issues |
Crackling, static, loss of bass, poor noise cancellation |
Free service program by Apple |
|
Manufacturing problem |
Affected units made before October 2020 |
Examination and replacement by Apple or authorized service
provider |
|
Unknown cause |
Apple did not specify the exact defect or flaw |
Update to the latest firmware and software |
|
Limited scope |
Only a small percentage of AirPods Pro affected |
Check eligibility by contacting Apple support or visiting
Apple store |
|
Case not included |
Only the earphones are part of the recall |
No need to replace the case unless damaged |
